T H W Desmond1, H K G Christopher. 1. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia. desmondwee@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the current management of carotid body tumours and examine our own experience at the Singapore General Hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case note review of patients treated by the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital over a period of nine years from January 1999 to December 2007. RESULTS: There were a total of ten patients. Eight patients underwent surgery with no mortality or major surgical morbidity. Mean follow-up was 3 years and 5 months with no evidence of recurrence. One patient had bilateral tumours and is under surveillance. The last patient had inoperable disease and received radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our series has shown that carotid body tumours can be safely removed surgically. If the internal carotid artery needs to be resected, we prefer the use of a Pruitt-Inahara shunt. Radiotherapy is reserved for large inoperable cases or patients not fit for surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To review the current management of carotid body tumours and examine our own experience at the Singapore General Hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case note review of patients treated by the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital over a period of nine years from January 1999 to December 2007. RESULTS: There were a total of ten patients. Eight patients underwent surgery with no mortality or major surgical morbidity. Mean follow-up was 3 years and 5 months with no evidence of recurrence. One patient had bilateral tumours and is under surveillance. The last patient had inoperable disease and received radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our series has shown that carotid body tumours can be safely removed surgically. If the internal carotid artery needs to be resected, we prefer the use of a Pruitt-Inahara shunt. Radiotherapy is reserved for large inoperable cases or patients not fit for surgery.